The Queen’s women’s soccer team picked up three points from a possible six this weekend, following up a 1-0 loss in Oshawa to UOIT with a thorough 4-0 victory over Trent in Peterborough.

This weekend dropped the Gaels out of the CIS top ten. 

The Gaels now have nine points from their first four matches, adding to the six they earned from their perfect opening weekend. 

Queen’s was unable to find the back of the net Saturday afternoon in a close game against last year’s OUA East third-place finishers. They managed 13 shots, with just three hitting the target.

However, the team rebounded quickly, recovering from the loss with a victory over the Trent Excalibur in resounding fashion the next day. Rachel Radu scored three goals, the Gaels’ first hat trick of the season, while Brittany Almeida added one of her own.

Speaking about the Gaels’ play over the weekend, Almeida noted the team was looking to maintain the same style of play that had won them six points the week before. Though the team didn’t pick up any points on Saturday, she mentioned that the team was still successful for parts of the game. 

Trailing by a lone goal at halftime, Almeida saw a loss of composure amongst her teammates. 

Maintaining strong play throughout the game is an aspect that Almeida believes the team will now prioritize.

 “Going forward we can take that experience [of Saturday’s game] into the season and learn from it,” she said.

Another aspect Almeida mentioned in particular was the importance to the team of defending as a unit, both for keeping the ball out of their own net, and for starting an attack on the opposing team’s. 

“We have a solid back line and are at our best when we get our fullbacks up the field to be an attacking force,” Almeida said. 

She noted the play of the team’s starting fullbacks this weekend, Alicia Levy and Claudia Glasspoole, as particular bright points for the team. 

Along with focusing on certain parts of the game on the pitch, there has been another focus off the field. On Sunday, the Gaels will be playing for the first time on the soon-to-be-reopened Richardson Stadium. 

“There’s been a buzz and anticipation amongst our team for that stadium opener game since training camp started in August,” Almeida said. “The new environment will definitely add an edge to our game and inspire some great performances I’m sure.” 

In addition to what is expected to be an atmosphere unlike anything this Gaels team has experienced at Miklas-McCarney Field, the specifics of the stadium may also benefit the team on the field. The size of the pitch and quickness of the new turf, Almeida mentioned, “suits our team, our speed, and our style.”

The Gaels play the Ottawa Gee Gees on Friday in the nation’s capital, before returning home to play their first ever game in the brand new Richardson Stadium against Carleton two days later.